Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Traditional eggnog, with it's raw egg, doesn't exactly appeal to me. I'm a fan of more friendly variations of this contentious holiday drink and a particular family recipe, which is unequivocally not eggnog, is my favorite.

This recipe was invented, or at least claimed by, my beloved granddad, Jack, who sadly passed away last year. My grandfather was one of those fabulous fibbers who's stretching of truths and hilarious inventions simply made life more amusing and therefore went unattested. So, for all intents and purposes this is my grandfather's original recipe, AKA "Jack's Eggnog".

You'll need...

2 cups cooled brewed coffee

1 box of vanilla ice cream (yes a box! A tub will simply not do- this made explicitly clear by the recipe's proprietor)

1 cup of bourbon

My granddad insisted on the box of ice cream because he claimed that the recipe was best if the if the ice cream was cut (not scooped!) into 1 inch squares prior to mixing. You will probably use your discretion as to this instruction. If you don't want to make the whole batch, you can just mix each individual glass to taste, which is what I usually do. After you're done, top with cinnamon and/or nutmeg.

For my family, and many of our family friends, this is a favorite treat. I hope you might enjoy Jack's Eggnog that isn't, with your family this holiday season.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The time had come for our first Christmas tree and in this new city, with few familiar faces, it's a sweet and welcome sight. Last Christmas, my mom and I went through our family's ornament collection and I got to pick out some of my favorites. With the addition of a few homemade ones, we have a surprisingly full tree. I first created these book page ornaments for my friend Kelly's winter wedding shower last year. They are so easy to make, here is a quick tutorial.

Cut 25 strips of paper per ornament. You can make them big or small depending on the length of your paper, but you'll want more than 25 strips if you go longer than about 10 inches. I made my strips for this demo around 7 inches long. After your pieces are cut, stack them and punch a hole at each end of the bundle. Then, loosely insert brads at both ends and swing the strips around to create a sphere. Lastly, tie a string around one of the brads for hanging.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Seconds away from pouring myself a bowl of quaker oats this morning I spied a familiar recipe on the box. I then thought that there was perhaps no better way to continue my pattern of holiday overindulgence than cookies for breakfast. I'm not under the delusion that there is an acceptable "breakfast cookie," (I'm sure today's act of nutritional defiance would make my mother squirm) I simply think that if there were a moderately appropriate a.m. cookie it would be the oatmeal raisin. Am I on to something here?

Let me share with you my twist on this very simple recipe.

1 stick of butter

3/4 cup of sugar- brown,white, or a mix

1 egg

1/2 t. vanilla

3/4 cup flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. salt (I like to taste the salt in a cookie, I put a bit more and use Kosher)

1 1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 pecan halves

Combine and stir wet and dry ingredients in two separate bowls (save the oats, nuts and raisins aside). Slowly stir the contents of the dry bowl into the wet one, then fold in your oats, pecans and raisins. I've made these cookies with walnuts too, but since I had some left over pecans I used them. I think given the choice I'd go for the pecans again.

After refrigerating for about an hour, place spoonfuls of dough on greased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 mins. at 350.

These treats are definitely some of my favorites, and I'm only mildly ashamed to admit that this batch might not see tomorrow.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

I think it's pretty funny that so near D's and my one year anniversary I found myself turning wedding table runners into curtains for our new house. My mom made a ton of these for my fall wedding last year using Ikea fabric and cotton backing. I simply cropped them and picked up some curtain clips. It's interesting the way things evolve around you as your life changes. I love being surrounded by things that have memories, even if they might also have a little fajita stain or two.

Monday, November 8, 2010

There is no better excuse to tour your own city than having an out of town guest. This weekend, my sweet friend, Katheryne, came to visit and it gave us a reason to explore a couple of new places. Saturday morning, we made our way to the City Market in downtown KC. I was amazed at the selection and immediately recognized the limits of my produce knowledge. There were so many fruits, vegetables, and spices I'd never even seen, much less cooked or consumed. With this great resource I hope to become a more adventurous eater. Does anyone have a recipe or resource that might assist me in my new pursuit?

Friday, October 29, 2010

This little monster has been with me a long time. Formerly a small chest of drawers, it's served as a nightstand, a side table and as a general crap collector. When D and I were searching for a solution to our electronic jumble D decided to raise it from the dead one last time. He removed the top drawer and inserted a shelf for our cable box, then defaced the bottom drawer and turned it into a cabinet with a magnet closure. After a new paint job... it's alllllllliiiive!

When you're on a tight budget, there's nothing better than making something old new again.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

When D and I moved, we left more than our house and friends behind. We left all our most frequented spots, including our favorite park.

On Monday, we celebrated D's birthday (and great new bike) with a ride to Jacob L. Loose Park in KC. It was such a beautiful place, and it reminded me that I've been missing out on fall for pretty much my entire life. Leaves don't really change colors in Texas or Oklahoma. One night in about mid November, they simply fall off their trees or turn a crispy brown. We had so much fun exploring this enormous place and I got my fill of watching teetering toddlers and spying on high school love birds.

During our excursion we ate a little picnic, and even though I don't usually talk food on this blog, I can't resist giving you the recipe for my friend Whitney's perfect picnic pasta.

All you need is...

pasta

a small tub crumpled goat cheese

cherry tomatoes

arugula

olives (optional)

olive oil

salt

pepper

Simply cook your pasta, chop your veggies and throw everything together while the pasta is drained and still hot, then season to taste. This is my kind of cooking- no measuring/15 minutes. It's perfect for a picnic because it's great warm or cold and of course super tasty.

I hope you enjoy your last few weeks of warmth (if you have any left)!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A little less than one year ago, I started this blog. A lot has changed since last November and I thought Hide the Good Scissors deserved a bit of a revamp in both style and substance. Just last week, D and I moved from Norman, Oklahoma to Kansas City and it feels like I'm writing a new chapter in my life.

I love our new place and I've been unpacking and painting while guiltily reveling in this hopefully brief period of unemployment. One thing I particularly love about this house is that it is two stories (three if you count the basement). It's kind of novel to me, because I've never lived in a two story and I don't think I'll ever tire of watching our dog Maybe patiently wait to pounce on Dingus as he climbs down. I'm also a big fan of our fireplace and can't wait to cozy up to it as winter approaches.

Monday, September 6, 2010

After two separate trips, D and I finally found a place in KC that lives up to my random and demanding standards. On our way back down to Oklahoma after trip number one, we had to make a stop.

D is (or soon will be) an environmental engineer, and for the past three years, he has worked for a restoration center responsible for implementation and monitoring of a passage treatment system along Tar Creek in Northeastern Oklahoma. In addition to this work, D is also doing research for his own thesis on the fate and transport of sediment here.

The acid mine waste that gives this creek it's bright red color poisoned the once booming now abandoned lead and zinc mining town of Picher, OK. I was shocked to see this sad mess in person after hearing so much about it for the past few year.

The top picture shows water flowing directly out of a mine, and the picture below it shows a mountain of mine waste called chat. In the lower set, you can see D collecting some samples and images of the passive treatment system.

An Oklahoma film maker by the name of Brad Beesly (Feerless Freaks, Okie Noodling) made a documentary called The Creek Runs Red about Tar Creek and the town of Pichard. Check out the Trailer, and you can get the full film on Netflix.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Saturday was great, the kind of day that makes me never want to leave Norman. My booth did really well. We were even blessed with relatively mild weather (we're lucky to keep below triple digits this time of year). I'm constantly amazed at the support of my friends and my community, and at the number of talented local artists, musicians and creatives that call this place home. I think there's something to be said for the kind of nurturing that a small town can give young artists and entrepreneurs. I'm trying to fill my heart with optimism as I prepare to leave this little pond, and I hope the success and happiness I've felt in Oklahoma follows me north and grows.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Well hello friends, just thought I'd take a sec to let you all know that I am indeed alive, well, and maintaining my residence here on planet earth. Talk about an unintended blog break. I've got no one good excuse, just a lot of little crappy ones that I promise not to bore you with.

To be honest, I seem be emerging from a brief phase of slackerdom. Maybe we'll call it a sabbatical (yeah, that sounds academic and grand), a sabbatical doing research on junk requisition, patio happy hours, and media exposure, specifically the never ending time-suck that is Lost on Netflix.

Oh and guess what? We're moving. The real reason for that little get away to Kansas City a few weeks ago was that D had a job interview. My vague and decidedly lame post on our trip was of course to avoid a dreaded jinx. Anyway, he got the job and we're and super excited. I, on the other hand, have no job or prospects for that matter. So, if you or anyone you know in the Kansas City area are in need of a contract house plant murderer or a professional

de-organizer, hit me up.

I'm also getting ready for my second Dustbowl and I'll have more to show you soon. These hoops were a recent commission, that hopefully made a nice birthday gift.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

This weekend, we spent a couple of days with D's aunt and uncle in Kansas City. The town is full of history, culture, and character- I loved it. I'm only sorry I didn't take more pictures. Here's D checking out a beautiful piece by Judith Shea at the enormous and fabulous Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. If you ever find yourself in that part of the county, the Nelson-Atkins is a must see. Just make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to explore.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Well, my 4th turned out to be a bit soggier than I might have hoped. A day full of showers cancelled city fireworks displays and parades, but D and I invited some friends to our house, where we enjoyed a Rocky IV/Sandlot double feature, a muddy soccer game, some damp sparklers, and a day full of cooking and eating. Bad weather could never ruin a holiday spent with good folks and good food. I hope your 4th of July was full of both.!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Here are a couple of pictures of my latest project. I made this shelf with antique cast iron mounts and some old mason jars. I think it's pretty and definitely versatile. I can envision all kinds of uses beyond the two pictured. This little helper will be part of a collection that I've been working on for a fabulous local shop. I'll tell you more soon!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Yesterday I picked up some of my wares (pics above) from a little sale that I participated in over at one of my favorite shops this past weekend. I know, I know- It would have been better to tell you about it before it was over, but regardless, I can't resist the opportunity to share with you the awesomeness that is theWild Hare Beadery.

If you live in the area then you've probably been to, seen, or are already in love with this little shop on Campus Corner. It's kind of a fantasy land for people who love all things tiny and shiny. Reese and Margaret, artist/designer/proprietor extraordinaires, keep the place stocked and ever-changing with beautiful beads, charming bric-a-brac, and curiosities of all kinds. Plus, they make and sell fabulous one-of-a-kind pieces like the ones pictured above (my favorite being the slightly frightening poison vile/uranium glass number on the right). Stop by for cool stuff and nice people. If you're not local, don't fret, you can find the Wild Hare on Etsy.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

There's something so funny about dragging stuff out into your yard, marking it with arbitrary prices and sitting around while strangers come pick through it. Don't get me wrong, I've been known to peruse a garage sale or two or two hundered, but when it's your stuff sprawled out on tables it feels a bit odd. I found myself discovering new love for long forgotten objects whenever some other junk junky showed the slightest interest. Then there was that moment when a gal stopped by at the end of the day to put things from my garage sale into her mouth and I initiated a spur of the moment "everything that you put in your mouth is free" sale.

Over all (minus the knick knack licker) I had a happy and productive weekend. I can see the floor of my garage and walk into my walk in closet. Best thing about the garage sale is that with the dispersion of my unwanted crap went my guilt for having so much unwanted crap. Now I'm free to shamelessly scavenge other people's garage sales (see pics).

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

This weekend I finished upanother lamp. It's been a while since I've done any block printing, but I really like how it turned out. I forgot how much I enjoyed relief printing, and it's defiantly the easiest printing process to conquer at home. I think you'll probably see some more here in the near future. However, for the next couple of weeks I'm resolved to spend some time cleaning out and getting ready for my garage sale, *gulp*. Lately I'm really feeling the need to simplify- maybe I have spring fever, or maybe I've just seen one too many episodes ofHoarders.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Today at work, someone introduced me to a group of people as an "office lady," and I'm pretty sure I heard a little part of my soul shrivel up and die. I do work in an office and I even like it (most days), but I guess ever since I started the whole 8 to 5 deal I've considered myself an artist with a day job. I wish I had more time and energy for art and craft- to be honest I can't seem to finish anything lately. As my friendKateso adequately put it, "This whole making money thing is cramping my style."

I know there are a lot of people out there who are right there with me- so what do you do to stay productive and motivated?

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Like most locals we spent yesterday evening standing out on our front porch when we should have been taking cover. The prospect of entering out 6 ft. square waterlogged storm shelter with D, our two dogs, friend Mike, his dog, neighbor, and- you guessed it, her dog, was possibly more terrifying that braving a twister in a mobile home.

Monday, May 17, 2010

I currently find myself in the torturous purgatory that is post vacation Monday, and I could really go for a Mojito right now. Last week, D and I traveled to Miami to attend his sister's college graduation and to celebrate my birthday. I loved the beautiful beaches, great food, art deco architecture, fun shopping, the MAM, fabulous public sculpture, and the beautiful UM campus. I did not love shining as a beacon of paleness in a sea of excessive orange.

Miami is really a place of extremes; high prices, fast cars, loud music, and extremely little clothing. I found it to be really exciting, and had a great time, but I just could never imagine myself living there. The truth is, I'm not very good at balancing on heels and I don't tan- just burn.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

I once heard an artist say that her best inspiration came from within 50 ft of her house. I must admit- I sometimes find myself dreaming of a romantic country side or charming city scape, and neglect to remember all the little details that make my locale so delightful.

Yesterday, I decided to do a little creative exercise and captured some images from within 50 ft. of my door. I got a couple of new ideas for print patterns (which I will share soon), and enjoyed getting reacquainted with my little landscape. I'm thinking about expanding the project into a full-on neighborhood index, with sample collection, mapping, illustration, and perhaps some ethnography. The urban pioneer?

You might want to embark on an intimate expedition of your environment. After all, you never know what you might find in your own literal or metaphorical backyard.

Friday, April 30, 2010

I wish I were attending Oklahoma's Semi-Centennial Exposition (a.k.a Oklahoma's Birthday Party for the World) this weekend, but sadly no such plans are on the horizon. I am planning on breaking this week's cycle of slackerdom and getting the ball rolling on a couple new projects. I'll also be celebrating an old friend's return to town. The longer I live in this place, the more I understand it's boomerang effect- people leave... but they always come back.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Oh boy, I had such a great time at my first arts market on Sunday! Minus the wicked sunburn and 30 mi/hr wind gusts, I'd say it was a perfect day. I sold a lot of stuff to a lot of really nice folks and had so much fun meeting people and spending time with D and our sweet friends from theWild Hair Beadery(our neighboring booth). I was so preoccupied that I forgot to take a picture of my set-up at the beginning of the day.

Because of my diminished inventory, I'll probably put off the etsy store a bit longer. I am, however, looking forward to selling work in a couple more local stores pretty soon. I'll let you know the details.

above: my booth about half way through the day, and some friends posing (or dancing) with new loot :)

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Yesterday I discovered german artistChristiane Löhrin my new copy ofSculpture. I found myself drawn to the odd, quiet beauty of these diaphanous structures made from materials like thistle seeds and dandilions.

Löhr's work brought to mind Jan Yager's "Tiara of Useful Knowledge." Last year, I attended a lecture Yager gave at an exhibition of american craft in OKC. Her distinctive jewelry incorporates portrayals of city flora (as in weeds poking up through sidewalk cracks). I love how these two artists find and illuminate the unique beauty and power in these marginalized garden invaders, and I must say- allergens have never been so appealing.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Recently, D and I have had a couple of close animal encounters. Last week, I stuck my hand in the middle of a dog fight, (something I'm pretty sure I'll never do again) and ended up with a small bite. And D, well... let's just say he made friends with the wrong critter.

Yesterday, while working in my studio, I looked out the window to see D feeding a squirrel some cashews. At that very moment, one part of my brain said, "bang on the window and end this nonsense!" while another part said, "aww cute, get your camera." As you've probably guessed, I chose the latter, and watched as D's face turned from delight to horror when his little buddy turned on him.

Now, these were poor decisions, ok- stupid decisions, but I know we're not alone in our zest for animal interaction and companionship. Just this weekend I listened to a really interesting (and oddly relevent) episode ofRadio LabcalledAnimal Minds. It really got me thinking about the complex relationships humans forge with domestic and wild animals. I recommend taking a listen; and while I'm making recommendations, I recommend keeping your hand out of animal mouths.

Monday, April 19, 2010

My husband has been lathing away, making these beautiful wine stoppers for those of us who might have a little trouble stopping wine from being poured (you know who you are).

I've been working on these bright little bedside companions. The shade on the left is made from printed Washi paper, and the shade on the right is a vintage topographical map. Last but not least, these printed tea towels and napkins are perfect for cleaning you up right.

As you can probably guess, these housewares will be available for purchase at the Dustbowl Arts Market on April 25 (that's this Sunday, people), and... soon, onmy long time coming etsy page!